The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK), located in Hong Kong, is one of the largest and most influential financial markets in Asia and the world. Known for its access to both Chinese and global investors, the SEHK has become a critical bridge between the international capital and stocks in mainland China and is now owned by parent company HKEX which is itself listed.
Daily Movers – Hong Kong Stock Exchange
Founded over a century ago, the SEHK offers a highly regulated and technologically advanced marketplace with a wide range of securities, including stocks, bonds, ETFs, and derivatives.
Top Hong Kong Listed Companies
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is home to a diverse range of companies, with over 2,298 listed firms in mid 2024. This number can change from time to time, as new firms IPO, and others may delist.
Whilst there are many companies listed, certain stocks get more attention than others. We have highlighted some of the top Hong Kong listed stocks below, but there are many more besides. Depending on your investing or trading goals, there will be certain sectors or trends that might appeal to you more than others.
| Company | Market Cap (As of November, 2024) |
|---|---|
| AIA 1299.HK | $79.42 Billion |
| Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing 0388.HK | $46.11 Billion |
| Bank of China (Hong Kong) 2388.HK | $32.87 Billion |
| Jardine Matheson J36.SI | $31.29 Billion |
| Sun Hung Kai Properties 0016.HK | $28.17 Billion |
| China Unicom 0762.HK | $25.24 Billion |
| Techtronic Industries 0669.HK | $24.86 Billion |
| Hang Seng Bank 0011.HK | $22.16 Billion |
| MTR Corporation 0066.HK | $21.54 Billion |
| CLP Group 0002.HK | $21.11 Billion |
Daily Movers – Indices
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange – An Introduction
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong was originally founded in 1891 as the Association of Stockbrokers in Hong Kong and became formally known as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1914. Initially, the exchange primarily served European settlers and was a small-scale market, limited by the size of the Hong Kong economy at the time.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Foundation Year | 1891 |
| Market Capitalisation | Over $5.3 trillion USD (as of 2023) |
| Major Markets | Main Board, GEM, Bond Market, Derivatives Market |
| Notable Milestones | Launch of the Hang Seng Index (1969), Stock Connect Program (2014) |
Hong Kong’s rapid post-war industrialization and growth as a financial hub helped the SEHK evolve into a world-class exchange. In 1986, the SEHK consolidated four separate exchanges in Hong Kong into one unified exchange, leading to greater market efficiency and improved regulatory standards.
A major milestone occurred in 1999 when the SEHK merged with the Hong Kong Futures Exchange and the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company to form the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), creating a comprehensive and integrated financial marketplace.
- 1969: Launch of the Hang Seng Index (HSI), now the most recognized benchmark for the Hong Kong stock market.
- 1999: Formation of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX)
- 2014: Launch of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program, allowing cross-border trading between the two exchanges.
- 2016: Expansion of the Stock Connect program to include the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect.
Structure
The SEHK is divided into several key market segments, each designed to accommodate different types of companies and investment needs. These segments offer a variety of securities, from blue-chip stocks to small-cap growth opportunities, as well as bonds and derivatives.
The Main Board is the primary market on the SEHK, home to some of the largest and most established companies in Asia. This segment has stringent listing requirements that include profitability, financial transparency, and governance standards, ensuring that only mature and financially stable companies are listed. The Main Board attracts both domestic and international investors looking for exposure to well-established firms.
The Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) was launched in 1999 to cater to smaller, high-growth companies with less stringent listing requirements than the Main Board. The GEM allows innovative companies, often in emerging sectors like technology and biotech, to raise capital and gain public exposure. Many companies use GEM as a stepping stone to eventually list on the Main Board as they grow and stabilize.
The Bond Market on the SEHK facilitates the issuance and trading of fixed-income securities, including government, corporate, and green bonds. With Hong Kong’s reputation as a stable financial hub, the bond market has attracted significant interest from both domestic and international investors. The SEHK’s bond market provides investors with stable, lower-risk investment options and helps support funding for infrastructure and sustainable projects across Asia.
The Derivatives Market on the SEHK is one of the most advanced in Asia, offering a wide range of futures and options on individual stocks, indices, and commodities. This market enables investors to hedge against risk, gain leverage, and speculate on price movements.
Major Sectors
Technology – Hong Kong’s proximity to mainland China has positioned the SEHK as a hub for leading Chinese technology companies. Companies like Tencent Holdings and Xiaomi are key players in digital entertainment, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. The technology sector on the SEHK offers investors access to China’s rapidly growing digital economy and innovative tech ecosystem.
Financial Services – a cornerstone of the SEHK, with companies like AIA Group, Bank of China, and HSBC Holdings being major players in banking, insurance, and asset management. These companies benefit from Hong Kong’s status as an international financial hub and its strong regulatory framework, attracting both domestic and foreign investors.
Real Estate and Property Development – with limited land and high demand for commercial and residential properties, the real estate sector is one of Hong Kong’s most influential industries. Companies like Sun Hung Kai Properties, CK Asset Holdings, and Hang Lung Properties are leading developers and property managers in Hong Kong and mainland China, providing investment opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.
Telecommunications and Utilities – provides essential services across Hong Kong, and companies like China Mobile and CLP Holdings are key players. These companies offer stable, dividend-paying stocks that are popular with income-focused investors, and they benefit from the region’s strong infrastructure and regulatory support.
Innovations
The Stock Connect Program is one of the SEHK’s most significant innovations, providing a link between the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and mainland China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges. Launched in 2014 with the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and expanded in 2016 to include the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, the program allows international investors to trade select stocks on mainland exchanges through the SEHK, and vice versa.
This groundbreaking initiative has boosted liquidity, improved access to Chinese A-shares for foreign investors, and solidified Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between China and the world.
The SEHK is one of the world’s leading venues for initial public offerings (IPOs), particularly for Chinese companies looking to access global capital. Companies such as Alibaba, Xiaomi, and JD.com have conducted successful IPOs on the SEHK, raising billions of dollars and underscoring the exchange’s global appeal. Hong Kong’s international listings have helped the SEHK attract a diverse investor base and strengthen its position as an international financial center.
Additionally, the SEHK will likely deepen its partnerships with mainland Chinese exchanges and increase cross-border investment opportunities. This will further establish Hong Kong as a gateway for capital flows between China and the rest of the world, securing its role as a leading international financial center.
